Texas Governor Pardons Man Convicted of Killing Black Lives Matter Protester

Texas Governor Greg Abbott pardoned Daniel Perry, a U.S. Army Sergeant convicted for shooting and killing Garrett Foster, a Black Lives Matter protester, in 2020.

For Context: In the summer of 2020, while driving his car through a protest group, Perry claimed Foster, who was carrying an AK-47, pointed the firearm at him, prompting Perry to shoot in self-defense. Foster, an Air Force veteran, was participating in one of many demonstrations nationwide protesting police brutality and racial inequality. Multiple witnesses reportedly testified during the trial that Foster wasn't pointing his gun at Perry when the fatal incident occurred. Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the killing. 

Details: The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended the pardon after reviewing Perry's personal history and the 2020 incident’s facts. The decision was justified utilizing Texas' 'Stand your Ground' laws, with Abbott insisting the law of self-defense could not be nullified by the jury or a progressive District Attorney. However, many, including Foster's family, criticized the decision and questioned the potential consequences such a decision could create in an open-carry state like Texas.

How The Media Covered It: The Dallas Morning News (Center bias) noted criticism from Foster's father. CBS news (Lean Left bias) highlighted Foster’s mother’s reaction to the pardon, suggesting the pardon was being used to make a political statement. Breitbart News (Right bias) framed the pardon as a reaffirmation of ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws, asserting Perry's right to self-defense and not including quotes from Foster’s family. This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.